What is a TripGuru Signature Experience? Unique itineraries crafted alongside famous travel bloggers and local guides Small groups only: no buses, no crowds, 8 travelers maximum Solo travelers don’t pay more – flat rates per person Quirky, charming, and creative are the words used to describe Chiang Rai by travelers and locals alike. The sights to be found here are by no means anything like the ones you’ll see in Chiang Mai, the city’s more popular sister. Before we begin temple sightseeing, we’ll break up the long three-hour drive at the Mae Khachan Hot Spring to relax, dip our feet in the steaming mineral water, maybe eat a snack, or walk around the surrounding gardens. We’ll then move on to the main attraction: the White Temple. If you’re looking for ancient ruins, you might be surprised to find a modern architectural masterpiece designed and built by local artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. He was rumored to have spent over THB 40 million of his own money to create this unconventional art exhibit to gain immortal life! After exploring this local wonder, we’ll have a quick lunch before heading to our next stop... The Blue Temple or Wat Rong Seua Ten literally translates to ‘temple of the dancing tiger.’ It was built on a site where tigers were said to have jumped over the river. If the White Temple was meant to be a stairway to heaven, the Black House has been called a “dark, mysterious, and almost sadistic” representation of hell, complete with preserved animals and a collection of bones. Built by Thailand national artist Thawan Duchanee (who incidentally was the mentor of Chaloemchai, the White Temple guy), the Baan dam Museum (Black House) is a cluster of nearly 40 small shadowy structures exhibiting art dating back to the Ayutthaya period. This is truly something the likes of which we’ll never see anywhere else!

7:00-7:30 a.m.: Pick up from your hotel and depart for Chiang Rai. 8:40-9:00 a.m.: Take a relaxing break at a natural hot spring. 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Explore the White Temple, a spectacular and distinctive temple created by Thai artists. The outside of the temple is adorned with elaborate carvings and designs, while the inside is decorated with intricate sculptures and murals that showcase both traditional and modern Thai architecture. 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Enjoy a delicious Thai lunch at a local restaurant. 1:00-1:45 p.m.: Visit the Blue Temple (Rong Suea Ten Temple), renowned for its blue and gold design and beautiful murals depicting scenes from local mythology and Buddhism. This serene attraction offers a unique perspective on Thai temple architecture and style. 2:10-3:10 p.m.: Visit the Red Temple (Wat Huay Pla Kang), where you can climb a 25-meter Guan Yin statue to an observation platform with breathtaking views. The temple features a prayer hall, a golden pagoda, and stunning carvings and murals depicting Buddhist myths. Visit this extraordinary and lovely location if you are interested in Thai temples and culture. Return to Chiang Mai.

Uncover the secrets of Thailand's famed Golden Triangle on this day trip from Chiang Mai. Travel aboard an air conditioned van from a centrally-located meeting point. Visit the Mae Kachan hot springs and the White Temple.  Explore the Mekong river on a longtail boat and enjoy a tasty lunch. Enjoy a pickup in central Chiang Mai, depart for Chiang Rai, stopping for a short break at Mae Kachan hot springs. Visit Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, before continuing to the Golden Triangle area. Go to Wat Phra That Chedi Luang (limited access). See the Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar borders from the Golden Triangle viewpoint. Stop for lunch before spending time at House of Opium. Enjoy a long-tail boat trip on the mighty Mekong River. On the way back to Chiang Mai, take a break to stretch your legs in Mae Suay or Wiang Pa Pao district and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. The estimated arrival time in Chiang Mai city is 8:30 PM. 

Begin your morning tour by climbing the 306 steps up to Doi Suthep Temple with your local guide. Bask in the golden rays of sunrise after conquering the staircase and take photos of the unrivaled view of the city of Chiang Mai.  Then, stand in the shadow of the golden Kruba Srivichai Monument, named after the Thai Buddhist monk and engineer of many temples and roads. Gain an insight into how the monks live and choose to make a merit (offering) with them.  Head to Wat Pha Lat, a hidden temple in the lush jungle. Admire the serene statues, shrines, and surrounding nature.  Wrap up your half-day tour with a stop at Wat Umong, a 700-year old temple built back in 1297. Explore the forest and underground tunnels. Marvel at the architecture of the chedi.

Be picked up from your hotel in Chiang Mai city center and go on a short drive to Wat Umong temple in the late afternoon. At this time of day, the crowds are few and views are prime. Upon arrival, explore the underground tunnels, bask in the beauty of the temple, and enjoy the forest surroundings. It is said that the trees in this forest have words of wisdom for those who pass by. After Wat Umong, the next stop is Doi Suthep temple. At this ornate structure, which is reached by a 306-step staircase, enjoy a beautiful sunset that lights up the golden temple. Also, take in the spectacular views of Chiang Mai at night from the summit of the mountain. Join a traditional ceremony performed by the temple's monks at the Golden Pagoda. After an afternoon spent exploring Chiang Mai’s temples and enjoying the sunset over the city, be returned to your hotel.

Experience an ethical elephant estate and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on this outdoor adventure tour from Chiang Mai. Interact with the elephants in the forest and feed them treats, enjoy a Thai meal, and visit a temple on top of the mountain. Begin your trip with hotel pickup and a scenic journey to a private elephant estate where you'll get to be their caretaker for half a day. Upon arrival, walk to the main base camp located up the hill and get changed into an elephant caretaker outfit. Hear about the long history of Asian elephants as you learn to cook healthy herbal treats for them to eat for a snack. Afterward, feed the handmade treats to them and walk along their side through the lush forest. Continue with elephant bathing in the river and say farewell to your new, big friends before taking some time to enjoy an authentic Thai lunch. Taste dishes with rice and a selection of fresh tropical fruits. With a full stomach, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep next, a temple situated on the top of a mountain. You can reach the top by walking up or using the elevator. At the top, see a golden chedi and terrace adorned with small shrines, breadfruit trees, rock gardens, and an Emerald Buddha statue. Round off your day on the mountaintop with breathtaking views of the greenery below, followed by drop-off back at your hotel.

Depart Chiang Mai and travel to the temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on Doi Suthep mountain. Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who climb up 309 steps to the stupa on the hilltop. Get spectacular views of Chiang Mai city and its surroundings. Then, visit a village and museum of the ethnic Hmong hill tribe, located inside the boundaries of the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Learn more about the life of the tribe, known for their colorful costumes and handicraft traditions. Return to Chiang Mai and get dropped off at your hotel.

Get picked up from your hotel or accommodation in Chiang Mai and drive up the curvy mountain roads to Doi Suthep - Pui National Park. You will visit the most important temple here. Walk up 306 steps (or, if you prefer an easier method, take a funicular ride) to the temple, which sits at 1,100 meters above sea level. The famous golden pagoda is stunning and the temple contains the relic of the Lord Buddha. Here, you'll also have the chance to get a holy blessing from a Buddhist monk and participate in a wrist tiding ceremony. From the balcony, enjoy a panoramic view of Chiang Mai. Next, you'll continue to Bua Tong waterfalls. Swim around the clear water or climb the "sticky" limestone and enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery.

Join a short walking tour around Chiang Mai to visit some of the city’s most famous temples in just two hours. You'll see Wat Chedi Luang with its large stupa, the humble Wat Phan Lao and stunning Wat Phra Singh. The first stop on your walking tour will be Wat Chedi Luang. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, this impressive temple has the largest stupa in Chiang Mai. Walking around the sprawling compound you have the chance to see striking Lanna-style design up close. Compared to Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao will seem quite humble in size. However, don’t let its size fool you, this small temple features intricately carved teak wood facades. It was once a throne hall for King Mahotara Prateth before becoming a dedicated house of prayer.  Lavish Wat Phra Singh is the final stop on your tour. This stunning building built in the 14th century is one of Chiang Mai’s finest temples. With amazing grounds, mosaic-inlaid sanctuary, large Lion Buddha statue and gilded pagodas, there’s a photo opportunity waiting around every corner.

Explore Chiang Mai’s more popular temples with a Tuk Tuk and take a stroll through the eclectic and colorful Warorot Street Market in this half-day tour. The first stop will be Wat Chedi Luang. Known as the “Temple of the Big Stupa”, this 700+-year-old temple, famous for its Lanna-inspired designs, was once the home of the much-revered Emerald Buddha statue. Take a visit there today and you'll see a replica version which was a donation from the Thai king.  Pass by the 3 Kings Monument, a shrine named after the three founders of Chiang Mai, before moving on to Wat Phra Singh temple. One of the more venerated temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh was built in the 14th century and is famous for its northern Thai designs and impeccable gardens. Next, visit the Tha Phae Gate. A famous landmark for locals and visitors alike, it was once part of a high-bricked defensive wall that surrounded the city. Discover the host of bars, restaurants, and hotels within walking distance. After wandering around the gate, visit Wat Srisuphan, or the Silver Temple which was named after its ornate silver-colored designs. Before the day ends, stop at Warorot Market or Muang Mai Street Market and shop for local street food or produce.